Zoya flung her leg over the seat, barely missing Roman's cheek. She grabbed her clothes, stomped across the yard and let herself into the house with the hidden key. Within seconds, Roman was right behind her, calling after her, but she didn't answer.

How could he do this to her? Come all the way to Austin, knowing about her obligations, and ask her to marry him but have no intention of living with her. She'd been so blinded by love and sex—oh, God, the sex. How would she ever live without that? Without him?

As she reached the bedroom, he caught up and spun her around. She shoved against his chest. "Why did you do this? Get my hopes up? Make me think you loved me enough to do anything for me? Well, I don't want to hear anything else from you." She went into the bathroom and slammed the door behind her.

"Zoya-"

"Stop talking. And go away."

"Not gonna happen. You know I keep a key right here above the door, so I'm coming in." He turned the lock and stepped inside. "You didn't let me finish. I can't live in Baton Rouge all the time. But since you're the boss, I figured you could set your own hours and it wouldn't be a big deal."

She looked at him. Big mistake. Defined muscles and broad shoulders. In spite of her anger, she wanted to touch him. She didn't have to wait long. He reached out and pulled her close.

"I love you, Zoya and if I have to live there to be with you, I will. But you've got to understand. Every bad thing that ever happened to me, happened there. My dad leaving. Mom dying. My friends. My freedom. Any good memories I had of that place have disappeared."

"Then we'll make new ones. I don't think I can do it without you."

"Then you won't have to. We'll work it out. Split our time between here and there, okay? But you can't freak out on me like that. Not everyone is as direct as you are, babe. If you want to know something, just talk to me, yeah? I'll answer any questions you have, but you have to tell me. Can we do that?"

She nodded against his chest, loving the way his arms felt around her. "I'm sorry I need you so much."

"Baby, never be sorry for that." He reached over and started the shower.

Later, when he fell asleep, she pulled the laptop onto her thighs and looked at wedding dresses.

After narrowing her search to four, she texted Aunt Fiona to tell her of her plans and ask her to give her away. That, and to use Fiona's credit card, since she didn't have one. She hoped she didn't have a stroke. That many dresses in two sizes, overnighted, tallied to chunk of money. Once she decided on the style and size, the rest would be returned, but still, Fiona might balk. Finding that text first thing in the morning wouldn't be a great way to start her day, but maybe she'd be so happy to have Zoya come out of hiding, she'd trust her decision to marry Roman.

Next, she texted Stella. Zoya wanted her at the ceremony. She was the closest thing she had to a mother. After that, she closed the laptop, snuggled next to Roman, and tried to think about how they'd split their time between Arcadia and Baton Rouge.

The next morning, Roman woke to an empty bed and didn't like it much. The last few months without Zoya had been a miserable time.

She'd been restless last night, and when she'd finally dozed, he'd found himself staring at her. The too sweet girl. The plain-spoken girl. The spontaneous girl. Holy hell, the motorcycle encounter had blown his mind, and the French about did him in. When he'd chuckled out loud at the memory, she'd fluttered those dark lashes, but didn't wake.

He didn't deserve her. He'd told her so in the shower and she'd said the sweetest thing. Maybe not, but I deserve you because you're the one I want. He'd kissed her then, his mouth a fever on hers, and she'd melted against him. That's how it was with her every time. And then he'd gone balls deep inside her and didn't give a shit if he deserved her or not.

He rolled onto his back and stretched. He sat on the edge of the bed and ran his fingers through his hair. No sounds came from the kitchen. No scents of cinnamon or bacon, so he figured Zoya had gone to Mariana's to get Homer. As quick as his future bride returned, he'd take her out for breakfast, then get the Big Day business underway.

Zoya got up early because she'd been too nervous and excited to sleep. In two days, she'd be married and had tons of stuff to do. Roman was still down for the count, so she dressed and headed to Mariana's.

The forest was more alive than ever, or maybe Zoya's mood made it seem that way. She shuffled her feet scattering autumn leaves as she went. Two squirrels chattered playing a game of chase along a low-hanging oak limb. Birds sang. A cool breeze whistled through the trees. She inhaled and caught a whiff of lavender.

Within a few minutes, she arrived at the shop and pushed open the door. Homer bounded from the corner and circled her ankles. Zoya leaned down to pet him. "Hey, boy. Look how big you are." He ran his tongue across her cheek and she shuddered. "Oh, no. Don't do that." She rose to her full height, went to the sink, and washed the dog's kiss away.

Mariana came from the supply closet and gasped. "Zoya. I mean, Dove?" She pulled her into a hug. "Which do I call you?"

"Zoya. I changed my name. I'm sorry I lied to you for so long."

Her friend flapped her hand in the air. "Please, if anyone knows about keeping a secret, it's me. I can't very well pass judgement." She plopped down on a stool and motioned for Zoya to sit. "Thank you for giving Flynn a job. I just wish it wasn't in Baton Rouge."

"Why?"

"Tommy. He's so happy here, we hate to move him to the city. He's such a loner, we're not sure how he'll do there."

Zoya had not considered that, but she was an expert on not fitting in. "I have the same problem."

Mariana raised her brows. "I don't understand. I thought you were raised in Baton Rouge."

"I was. My problem is Roman. He doesn't want to live there either. All the way over here, I thought about what I could do about that. What would you think about Flynn flying back and forth a few days a week or every day? The company has a plane."

Mariana's eyes twinkled like Christmas tree lights. "That would be so great!" She vaulted from the stool and threw her arms around Zoya again. "We could buy a house here and Flynn would be home every night. We wouldn't have to uproot Tommy. I can't tell you how much that would mean to me."

"I'll get it worked out. I'd better go. Roman and I are going to Breaux Bridge to get things ordered for the wedding."

Mariana's brows rose into her hairline, her mouth dropping into an 'o'. She searched Zoya's face for signs of joking, but found nothing. Not that she expected Zoya to quip about something like that. "Holy shit. I mean, I knew it, but holy shit," she placed her palm to her forehead, and grinned down at Zoya, esconsing her into a tight hug that threatened to break her ribs. She told her as such, and Mariana only laughed and gripped her tighter. "I don't know how you're going to put it all together in such a short time. I've been working for months and still don't have everything finished."

"Mine is simple. Roman, me and the minister. Oh, I ordered several dresses because I couldn't decide which one I liked best. When they get here, I'll need your advice."

"Glad to help, and that reminds me. Now that you're home, I want you to be a bridesmaid in my wedding."

"Oh, okay."

Mariana grinned. "You know, you're about to be my sister-in-law and Tommy's aunt."

Zoya's hand flew to her chest. "I hadn't thought of that."

"Yep. The DeRoux-Flynn clan, or something. I like it."

So did Zoya. For the first time in years, she'd have a family, and that made her happier than she could put into words. "Well, I have to go, I didn't leave Roman a note, so he doesn't know where I am."

"Okay, I'll see you later."

When she got back to the house, Roman was in the kitchen neck deep in the pantry.

She stood there watching him root around for a long minute. "What are you doing?"

Roman banged his head against a cabinet and cursed. "Fuck! You scared the shit out of me. I didn't hear you come in."

"You were talking to yourself."

She took two steps, and he stopped her. "Don't come any closer. While you were gone, I got a few cans mixed up. I'm putting them back in order."

"That's okay, I'll do it. Move out of the way." She tried to pass, but he blocked her.

"No, Zoya. I'll fix it."

She craned her neck to see around him, then widened her eyes. "What have you done? None of its right!"

"Calm down. I'll have it back the way it was in no time."

She shoved past him, bumping him out of the way with her hip as if he personally offended her. "No! You've done enough. Step aside."

She got to work and when the last can was in place, she glared at Roman. "Don't ever do that again."

"I won't. I promise. Don't know how it happened. It got out of hand." He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her ear. "Just another reason I need you. To keep the beans before the corn."

She frowned. "Are you being sarcastic?"

Then he kissed her and all her anger disappeared.

At noon the next day, the dresses arrived and Zoya took the packages to Mariana's. After trying them on over and over, she'd let Mariana, Ophelia, and Lemon decide, and she'd been happy with their choice. A white vintage inspired long sleeve, full length silhouette sheath, made of lace and tulle with intricate beadwork. She smoothed her hands over the fabric and struck a pose.

Roman had found the photographer, Isaac Milner, online. Once he'd seen the photo of the bride on the motorcycle, he wouldn't consider anyone else. Isaac had driven all the way from New Orleans, and had no idea who Zoya was, but he'd been suspicious when Ophelia demanded he sign a non-disclosure agreement, and not post any of the photos on his site for thirty days. "Now hold your bouquet down by your side and don't look into the camera."

Zoya snapped out of her trance and asked the photographer to repeat the instructions.

Mariana adjusted her veil while Lemon looked on. A gust of wind caught the tulle and whipped it into the air.

"Beautiful! Now, keep your body in that position, but turn your head to face me," Isaac said.

Zoya had been as determined about the treehouse as a backdrop as Roman had been about the Harley. He'd also insisted using a haystack in Mariana's barn. Zoya knew the reason for that choice.

Miller opened his camera case. "Okay, that should be enough in this location. If the groom is gone, we can head back home for the motorcycle shots."

Lemon nodded her head so fast, blond curls flew in every direction. "Oh, he's gone all right. Ophelia practically had to shove him out the door. By the time he gets home, he may be three sheets to the wind."

Mariana spoke up. "No, he won't. I gave Flynn strict instructions not to let that happen."

At the bar, Roman leaned back in his chair and eyed Ophelia. "You get the paperwork done I asked about?"

His sister opened a giant bag, removed a folder, and slid it to him. "Yep. Sign at the arrow."

"Should I read this before I sign it?"

Ophelia knitted her brows together. "What? You don't trust me?"

Roman snorted, penned the document, and passed it back. "We don't need a witness or anything?"

"Not since you initiated it. If Zoya had asked for the prenup, then yes, we'd want witnesses, but you'd be the only one to contest this, and a handwriting analysis would prove it's your signature. Besides, are you ever going to tell her about it?"

Roman put the pen to paper, then glanced at Flynn sitting next to Ophelia, shoveling limp, ketchupy fries into his mouth. "Probably not, but hell, I knew I needed one when she tried to sell me half of St. Clair Steel for a dollar. If it's clear to board members I'm not after her money, claiming her place in the company will be an easier transition. Be sure her aunt and the board members get a copy of it."

"Well, like you asked, this document overrides divorce or transfer of assets. No matter what happens, for the next ten years, if she dumps your ass, you get zilch." She smiled, inspecting her nails. "My contracts are ironclad."

Quiet until now, Flynn leaned forward. "That will never happen. She's the only one who'd put up with his ass." Ophelia snorted in agreement. Flynn finished his brew and signaled the bartender. Then he turned back to Roman. "Sure you don't want at least one drink?"

"No, I'm good. But I'm wondering how much longer will it be?"

Flynn grinned. "Mariana said she'd text when the coast is clear. Until then, we've got to hang out here. Wouldn't want you to see your bride and start out with bad luck. This time tomorrow, you'll be a married man. Are you nervous?"

"No."

"No last-minute jitters? No cold feet?"

"None. Why? You having doubts about yours?"

"Nope. Not since Zoya told me I can commute to work. Living in Baton Rouge during the week and only here on weekends hasn't worked for me. I've missed Mariana and Tommy so much I've been miserable."

The waitress brought the drinks, then sashayed away. Roman turned to Flynn again. "I have an offer for you." He glanced at Ophelia. "Actually, both of you. If y'all want to build on Charamel's place, I'll deed you some property. Free and clear. Or if either of you want to live in the farmhouse, Zoya and I will build something."

"I'm in," Flynn said.

Roman laughed out loud. "Damn. I thought you'd at least want to discuss it with Mariana."

"Are you kidding? No way in hell she'll turn down the offer, she wants to stay here for Tommy."

"O?" Roman raised his brows. "You interested in relocating? I bet you can get a job here somewhere."

She side eyed him. "No. I like living in Nola with my girlfriend. I don't have to drive ten miles just to buy M&M's." It wasn't a secret that she abhorred living in the country, where nothing was in walking distance.

"I get it. But if you change your mind, the offer is always on the table." Out of the corner of his eye, Roman caught sight of a man moving toward them. "Shit. What is he doing here?"

Flynn and Ophelia both turned to look, then Flynn spoke. "Who is he?"

Roman rose from his chair. "The PI who's been looking for Zoya."

You think Marion really about to pull a "bet you thought you've seen the last of me"...?

TEASER: "I contacted her as soon as I located the girl."

Uh oh, do you think Miles is betraying them?